ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Finance
Invitation for public comments on draft ‘IFSCA Guidance framework on Sustainable and Sustainability linked lending by financial institutions in IFSCs’
The International Financial Services Centres Authority  has been established as a unified regulator to develop and regulate financial products, financial services and financial institutions in the International Financial Services Centres  in India.
As the climate crisis deepens, economies across the globe are transitioning towards sustainable and low-carbon growth. This transition is fueled by their commitment to meet the Paris Agreement and the Sustainable Development Goals . Banks and financial institutions are one of the key players who can support this transition by directing financial flows to sustainable and climate friendly solutions via lending or by raising capital for sustainable and sustainability-linked projects. However, there is a need for banks and financial institutions to have a policy to ensure transparency in this process to avoid concerns like greenwashing.
In view of the above, the draft guidance framework, intends to encourage the IFSC Banking Units  and Finance Companies/Finance Units   to internally develop a comprehensive Board approved policy on green/social/sustainable/sustainability linked lending. The guidance intends to provide a broad framework for adoption of principles aligned with the existing international standards viz. Green/Social Loan Principles developed by Loan Market Association , Bond Principles developed by International Capital Markets Association , Climate Bond Standards by Climate Bonds Initiative and any other similar recognized standards.
IFSCA proposes to direct the IBUs and FC/FUs  registered with it to develop a Board approved policy on sustainable lending within a time period of 9 months from the date of issuance of the final framework. Further, such entities shall have at least 10 per cent of their loan assets in the form of lending to green/social/sustainable/sustainability-linked sectors/facilities, from the financial year beginning April 2023 /calendar year beginning January 2023. In case, if the IBU or FC/FU is unable to meet the above targets, it shall report to the Authority explaining reasons for non-compliance of the same.
The core components of such policy on lending shall cover aspects such as:
- Borrower assessment process,
- Assessing the use of proceeds and appropriately describing it in the legal documentation of the loan facility,
- Process to be adopted for project evaluation and selection, management of proceeds,
- Reporting mechanism,
- Monitoring either internally or through external reviewer, and;
- De-classification of lending facilities.
The Draft further provides an illustrative list of eligible green projects, social projects and certain industry green standards based on which labelling or classification of a facility can be carried out.
The Draft guidance is uploaded on the IFSCA website at the URL https://www.ifsca.gov.in/PublicConsultation.
The comments / suggestions are invited from general public and stakeholders on the draft framework, so as to reach us on or before March 22, 2022 .
Ministry of Finance
256 Central Public Sector Enterprises  operational with total annual turnover of Rs 24, 61,712 crore as on 31.03.2020
As per information available with Department of Public Enterprises , there are 256 operational Central Public Sector Enterprises  as on 31.03.2020 with a total annual turnover of Rs 24, 61,712 crore. This was stated by Union Minister of State for Finance Dr Bhagwat Kisanrao Karad in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Out of these, 171 CPSEs are profit making with a profit of Rs 1,38,112 crore, the Minister stated.
Based on the information provided by the Navaratna CPSEs for FY 2020-21, the Minister stated that the performance in terms of Profit after Tax has shown improvement over the previous year in respect of most of the Navaratna CPSEs.
On reining in the expenditure, the Minister stated that as per information furnished by the Navaratna CPSEs a number of them are relying on use of virtual mode/ IT tools/services for reducing cost in recruitment process.
There is no reported reduction of workforce as cost cutting measures, the Minister added.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Status of Avian Influenza in the country
As of 15 January, 2021, Avian Influenza  has been confirmed in wild birds in Burhanpur, Rajgarh, Dindori, Chhindwara, Mandla, Harda, Dhar, Sagar and Satna districts of Madhya Pradesh .; Dehradun district of Uttarakhand ; Rohini in Delhi  and Jaipur Zoo in Rajasthan .
Moreover, cases of AI in poultry has been confirmed from Anand/ Bhagirath Kalosiya in Harda district of Madhya Pradesh and G.S. Poultry farm Balod district of Chhattisgarh. Altogether, 11 states in the country have been affected by AI.
Steps to make the general public aware about the disease is being undertaken. Also, efforts to remove misinformation about avian influenza among the people is underway.
In pursuance of the VC meeting with the Animal Husbandry Departments of the States / UTs, Secretary  has also written to the Chief Secretaries / Administrators of states / UTs AI is not new to the country but has been reported every year since 2006. The country has been effectively controlling the disease. It was reiterated that the virus gets destroyed easily at 70 degrees Centigrade and therefore, properly cooked poultry and poultry products are safe for human consumption. Accordingly, states have been requested to instruct the authorities concerned not to impose ban and allow selling of poultry and poultry products sourced from AI-free areas / states.
APS/MG
Ministry of Agriculture &
Farmers Welfare
MSP Operations during Kharif Marketing Season 2020-21
In the ongoing Kharif Marketing Season  2020-21, Government continues to procure Kharif 2020-21 crops at its MSP from farmers as per its existing MSP Schemes.
Paddy procurement for Kharif 2020- 21 has progressed smoothly in the procuring States & UTs of Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Telangana, Uttarakhand, Tamil Nadu, Chandigarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Kerala, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Bihar with purchase of over 344.86 LMTs of paddy up to 06.12.2020 against the last year corresponding purchase of 282.66 LMT showing an increase of 22.00 % over last year. Out of the total purchase of 344.86 LMT, Punjab alone has purchased 202.77 LMT till the close of procurement season in the state on 30.11.2020 which is 58.79 % of total procurement in the country.
About 35.03 Lac farmers have already been benefitted from the ongoing KMS procurement Operations with MSP value of Rs. 65111.34 Crore.
Further, based on the proposal from the States, approval was accorded for procurement of 45.24 LMT of Pulse and Oilseeds of Kharif Marketing Season 2020 for the States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, Gujarat, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan and Andhra Pradesh under Price Support Scheme . Further, sanction for procurement of 1.23 LMT of Copra  for the States of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu and Kerala was also given. For other States/UTs, approval will also be accorded on receipt of proposals for procurement of Pulses, Oilseeds and Copra under PSS so that procurement of FAQ grade of these crops can be made at notified MSP for the year 2020-21 directly from the registered farmers, if the market rate goes below MSP during the notified harvesting period in the respective States/UTs by the Central Nodal Agencies through State nominated procuring agencies.
Upto 06.12.2020, the Government through its Nodal Agencies has procured 133550.58 MT of Moong, Urad, Groundnut Pods and Soyabean having MSP value of Rs. 718.51 Crores benefitting 76002 farmers in Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Haryana and Rajasthan.
Similarly, 5089 MT of copra  having MSP value of Rs.52.40 crore has been procured benefitting 3961 farmers in Karnataka and Tamil Nadu up to 06.12.2020 as against the last year corresponding purchase of 293.34 MT of copra. In respect of Copra and Urad, rates are ruling above MSP in most of the major producing States. The respective State/UTs Governments are making necessary arrangements for commencement of procurement from the date as decided by the respective States based on the arrivals in respect of Kharif Pulses and Oilseeds.
Procurement operations of seed cotton  under MSP are going on smoothly in the States of Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha and Karnataka. Till 06.12.2020 a quantity of 3832259 cotton bales valuing Rs.11084.78 Crore has been procured benefitting 750779 farmers.
Competition Commission of India
Commission approves proposed combination involving acquisition of stake in ISMT Limited by Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited
The Competition Commission of India  approved proposed combination involving acquisition of stake in ISMT Limited by Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited.
Kirloskar Ferrous Industries Limited  is a listed public company limited by shares and is a flagship company of Kirloskar Group. The Acquirer is presently engaged in the business of manufacturing and sale of pig iron and grey iron castings such as cylinder blocks, cylinder heads, and transmission parts and different types of housings required by automobile, tractor and diesel engine industries.
ISMT Limited  is a listed public company limited by shares. It is engaged in the business of manufacturing steel, seamless tubes and pipes, and a number of value-added products from such tubes which inter alia includes bearing rings, gear blanks, threaded and coupled casings.
Through the Proposed Combination, the Acquirer proposes to acquire sole control of the Target pursuant to  subscription of, by way of a preferential allotment; and  an open offer to acquire up to 25.05% of the Emerging Voting Capital of the Target, as per the Securities and Exchange Board of India  Regulations, 2011. By way of the Proposed Combination, the Acquirer is seeking to acquire upto 51.25% of the Emerging Voting Capital  of the Target and will acquire upto 76.3%  of the Emerging Voting Capital  of the Target.
Detailed order of the CCI will follow.
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
Scholarships for Marginalised Students
This Ministry is providing educational scholarships to marginalized students .
The details of scholarship schemes implemented by this Ministry are given at Annexure.
Department of Social Justice & Empowerment
|
|
SN
|
|
Name of the Scheme
|
|
Fund released during FY 2020-21 
|
|
1.
|
|
Post-Matric Scholarship to the SC Students Studying in 
|
|
4008.60
|
|
2.
|
|
Pre-Matric Scholarship to the SC Students Studying in classes IX & X
|
|
569.03
|
|
3.
|
|
Pre-Matric Scholarship to the Children of those
engaged in occupations involving cleaning and prone to health hazards 
|
|
26.81
|
|
4.
|
|
Pre- Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
|
|
165.91
|
|
5.
|
|
Post- Matric Scholarship for OBC Students
|
|
1159.25
|
|
6.
|
|
Dr. Ambedkar Post-Matric Scholarship for EBC Students
|
|
25.00
|
|
7.
|
|
Dr. Ambedkar Pre-Matric and Post-Matric Scholarship for EBC Students for DNT students
|
|
9.00
|
|
8.
|
|
National Overseas Scholarship for SC students

|
|
32.92
Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 
|
|
SN
1.
|
|
Name of the Scheme
|
|
Fund released
for the Fy 2020-21 & 2021-22

|
|
Pre-Matric Scholarship to the SC Students Studying in
classes IX & X
|
|
136.55
|
|
2.
|
|
Post-Matric Scholarship ( for Class XI to Post
Graduate Degrees/Diploma)
|
|
3.
|
|
Top Class Education Scholarship (For Graduate and Post Graduate Degrees/Diploma in notified Institutes
of the Excellence in Education)
|
|
4.
|
|
National Fellowship for PwDs (for M. Phil and PhD. In
Indian Universities
|
|
5.
|
|
National Overseas Scholarship for (Masters Degrees &
Ph.D in Foreign Universities)
This information was given by The Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment Shri. A. Narayanaswamy in the Lok Sabha in a written reply today.
MG/IA
Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment
‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for Distribution of Aids and Assistive Devices to Divyangjan and Senior Citizens under ADIP and RVY Scheme in Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.
A ‘Samajik Adhikarita Shivir’ for distribution of aids and assistive devices to ‘Divyangjan’ under the ADIP Scheme and Senior Citizen under RVY Scheme of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India will be organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities  in association with ALIMCO and District Administration, Jalaun today at Vishita Mandi Krishi Utpadan Mandi Samiti, Kalpi Road, Orai, , Uttar Pradesh.
A total of 4164 Aids and Assistive devices of different categories with value of worth Rs. I Crore 62 Lakhs 75 Thousand will be distributed free of cost among 836 ADIP Divyangjan and 319 Senior Citizen pre identified who were assessed during assessment camps organized by ALIMCO in the various location of Jalaun, Uttar Pradesh.
Dr. Virendra Kumar, Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment, Government of India, will be the Chief Guest of the function and will inaugurate the Distribution camp in presence of Shri Bhanu Pratap Singh Verma, Minister of State Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises, Government of India, Member of Parliament and other local public representatives. Union Minister of Social Justice and Empowerment will connect to various location and will interact with the beneficiaries on line at different locations across the country where such distribution camps will be conducted simultaneously in one day.
Main function will be at Jalaun where Union Minister will be physically present. Senior officers from Ministry, District Administration, Jalaun and ALIMCO shall also be present during the function.
MG/RK
Cabinet
Cabinet approves the Scheme titled Viability Gap Funding for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems 
Government Unveils BESS Scheme to Energize the Nation for a Brighter Tomorrow
BESS projects of total 4,000 MWh to be developed by 2030-31 under the Scheme through competitive bidding
Scheme to reduce the cost of storage for distribution companies and consumers
The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Hon'ble Prime Minister approves the Scheme for Viability Gap Funding  for development of Battery Energy Storage Systems . The approved scheme envisages development of 4,000 MWh of BESS projects by 2030-31, with a financial support of up to 40% of the capital cost as budgetary support in the form of Viability Gap Funding . A watershed moment in the long list of pro-environment measures taken by the Government, the move is expected to bring down the cost of battery storage systems increasing their viability.
Designed to harness the potential of renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power, the scheme aims to provide clean, reliable, and affordable electricity to the citizens. The VGF for development of BESS Scheme, with an initial outlay of Rs.9,400 crore, including a budgetary support of Rs.3,760 crore, signifies the government's commitment to sustainable energy solutions. By offering VGF support, the scheme targets achieving a Levelized Cost of Storage  ranging from Rs. 5.50-6.60 per kilowatt-hour , making stored renewable energy a viable option for managing peak power demand across the country. The VGF shall be disbursed in five tranches linked with the various stages of implementation of BESS projects.
To ensure that the benefits of the scheme reach the consumers, a minimum of 85% of the BESS project capacity will be made available to Distribution Companies . This will not only enhance the integration of renewable energy into the electricity grid but also minimize wastage while optimizing the utilization of transmission networks. Consequently, this will reduce the need for costly infrastructure upgrades.
The selection of BESS developers for VGF grants will be carried out through a transparent competitive bidding process, promoting a level playing field for both public and private sector entities. This approach will foster healthy competition and encourage the growth of a robust ecosystem for BESS, attracting significant investments and generating opportunities for associated industries.
The Government of India remains committed to promoting clean and green energy solutions, and the BESS Scheme is a significant step towards achieving this vision. By harnessing the power of renewable energy and encouraging the adoption of battery storage, the government aims to create a brighter and greener future for all citizen
Ministry of Education
DBT NATIONAL WORKSHOP ON BIOENERGY 2019
Kolkata, October 17, 2019.
The PK Sinha Centre for Bioenergy and Renewables, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, has organized a two-day DBT National Workshop on Bioenergy which started today. Funded by the Department of Biotechnology, Government of India, this workshop aims to bring together bioenergy scientists from around the country to promote a national conversation and solve technological challenges towards achieving the national mission of deploying clean energy to fight climate change. The workshop provides a rare opportunity to DBT's five Bioenergy Centres, namely, the DBT-Pan IIT Centre for Bioenergy, the DBT-ICGEB Centre for Bioenergy, the DBT-IOCL Centre, the DBT-TERJ Centre for Bioenergy, and the DBT-ICT Centre for Energy Biosciences, to come together, discuss their bioenergy researches, exchange new ideas, and collaborate towards building a renewable energy future for India.
Coordinated by Prof.Saikat Chakraborty and Prof.Mrinal K. Maiti of IIT Kharagpur, DNWB-2019 aims to bridge the gap between researchers from academia and industries with other professionals within India through various keynote addresses, scientific and technical lectures and poster presentations encompassing the current situations and future trends on various aspects of bioenergy, including combating climate change through biofuels, algal biofuels, lingo cellulosic biofuels,and cyano bacterial biofuels.
Professor M.S. Ananth, two two-time Former Director of IIT Madras was the Chief Guest at the workshop's inaugural programme and Dr.Anjan Ray, Director, Indian lnstitute of Petroleum Dehradun was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sangita M. Kasture, Joint Director, DBT, represented the Union Ministry of Science and Technology.
Special Service and Features
Shri K.P.Anand, IAAS Assumed charge as PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT GENERAL , TAMIL NADU AND PUDUCHERRY
Shri K.P.Anand, Assumed charge as PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTANT GENERAL , TAMIL NADU AND PUDUCHERRY, who belongs to 1996 batch of The Indian Audit and Accounts Service . He graduated from Madras Veterinary College in 1994. Prior to assuming this charge, he has served as Principal Accountant General, Kerala, Principal Director of Audit, North East Frontier Railway and Accountant General, Assam. He has also served as Director  in Southern Power Distribution Company of Andhra Pradesh Ltd. His international audit assignments include International Organisation for Migration at Manila and Geneva, United Nations International Computing Centre at Geneva, Programme for Research and Training in Tropical Diseases , World Health Organisation at Geneva, United Nations Office at Vienna and United Nations Interregional Crime and Justice Research at Turin. His areas of interest include various forms of arts and literature.
The department said it was committed to ensure that its officers perform their duties strictly as per rules and maintain a very high level of integrity.
The department also sought to reassure stakeholders and the public that the office of the Principal Accountant General , Tamilnadu and Puducherry is committed to continue quality service in conducting the audit of the departments under its jurisdiction. Some of the major departments under the Audit jurisdiction of the office of the Principal Accountant General  are Energy, Transport, Urban local bodies, PWD, State PSUs and the all the departments of UT of Puducherry.
This is stated in a Press Release issued by Senior Deputy Accountant General .
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Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution
Department of Food and Public Distribution renovates Canteen at Krishi Bhawan as a part of Special Campaign 2.0, mass rallies organised
Millet items included in the Canteen to spread awareness of its contribution towards Food Security and Nutrition
In accordance with the sequel of the last year’s Special Campaign, a major initiative of Government of India, the Department of Food & Public Distribution along with its PSUs/ attached/ sub-ordinate offices spread throughout the country has been undertaking numerous activities to contribute maximum to the vision of Swachh Bharat.
Inauguration by the Secretary
One such activity undertaken by the Department during this Campaign is the renovation of the Canteen at 3rd Floor of Krishi Bhawan. The renovation work completed successfully within the ongoing Campaign and has been inaugurated by the Shri Sudhanshu Pandey, Secretary, Department of Food and Public Distribution here today.
Condition of the Canteen BEFORE renovation
Condition of the Canteen AFTER renovation
Ahead of 2023 international year of millets, the Secretary  has also introduced a revised Menu of Canteen which now includes millet items such as Ragi Ladoo, Ragi Cutlet, Bajre ki khichdi, fortified rice, etc. for spreading awareness of the contribution of millet to Food Security and nutrition. This will also inspire stakeholders to improve sustainable production and quality of millets.
As part of the Special Campaign 2.0 on Disposal of Pending Matters , the Department of Food & Public Distribution along with its PSUs/ attached/ sub-ordinate offices - Food Corporation of India, Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority, Central Warehousing Corporation, National Sugar Institute , Central Railside Warehouse Company Limited and Indian Grain Storage Management and Research Institute  have all been enthusiastically participating in the campaign.
This Department has organized mass rallies on 12th October, 2022 from Krishi Bhawan to India Gate and another on 21st October, 2022 from Krishi Bhawan to Jantar Mantar, New Delhi for spreading awareness about cleanliness and sanitation during the Special Campaign 2.0 being organized during the period 02nd October, 2022 to 31st October, 2022. The staff members also cleaned the areas nearby India Gate, Jantar Mantar and along the rally path.
Rally organized on 12th October, 2022
Rally organized on 21st October, 2022